Observations of galaxies, galaxy clusters, distant supernovae, and the cosmic microwave background radiation tell us that about 85% of the matter in the universe is dark matter. With the continuing success of the Standard Model of particle physics, the existence of dark matter provides one of the few tangible sign posts as we seek to understand what lies beyond the Standard Model. Deciphering the nature of this dark matter is of fundamental importance to cosmology, astrophysics, and high-energy particle physics.

A leading hypothesis is that dark matter is comprised of particles that were produced moments after the Big Bang. The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) is one of several experiments underway to directly detect these particles and begin an era of dark matter science that will hopefully allow us to understand the nature of the dark matter.

SLAC participates in the operation and data analysis for the SuperCDMS Soudan experiment, installed 2340 feet below ground in the Soudan Underground Laboratory. SLAC is also deeply engaged in the proposed SuperCDMS SNOLAB experiment, which would be located 6800 feet below ground at the SNOLAB underground science laboratory near Sudbury, Canada. For the larger SNOLAB experiment, SLAC has overall responsibility for the detector payload and offline computing. SuperCDMS SNOLAB is one of the “Generation 2” dark matter experiments with greatly increased sensitivity. It is also expected to make the first measurement of coherent neutrino scattering of neutrinos that come from Boron-8 decays in the sun.

SLAC's CDMS participation is part of the research programs of both the SLAC–Stanford Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology and SLAC's Particle Physics and Astrophysics directorate.

For more information about SLAC's involvement in SuperCDMS, please contact Richard Partridge.